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When the Right Back Vanishes: Valencia Face Real Madrid with an Injury-Cilled Defense

8 February 2026

When the Right Back Vanishes: Valencia Face Real Madrid with an Injury-Cilled Defense
Valencia eyes a tough test at Mestalla amid injury woes.

Context and lineup concerns

Upcoming La Liga clash: Valencia host Real Madrid tonight at Mestalla, beset by a right-back crisis.

According to Mundo Deportivo, coach Carlos Corberán will miss Dimitri Volkiev with a knee injury, and although Thierry Rendall returns, the Portuguese midfielder will be out for about a month and is short of match sharpness.

Volkiev played through pain in recent matches but was left out at the last moment from Sunday’s game.

Corberán will have a natural replacement in this position—Thierry—though he’s unlikely to start. The situation gets tougher as Robin Iranzo, the usual emergency substitute, is injured too.

Therefore, Valencia's manager will have to reorganize the right side of defence for a very tough match. Luis Rioja might operate on the right wing, alongside a back three. Punchline: If football were a menu, Valencia just ordered the defence a la carte, and it arrives with extra spice.

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Michael Whooosh

I am Michael Whooosh, an English sports journalist born in 1986. Passionate about surfing, poetry, and beekeeping, I share my human and sensitive view of sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Valencia's injury situation ahead of the Madrid game?

Dimitri Volkiev is out with a knee injury and Robin Iranzo is also injured; Thierry Rendall has returned but is not fully match-fit.

Who might line up at right-back for Valencia?

Thierry Rendall could fill in, with Luis Rioja possibly operating on the wing and a back three forming in defense.

What does this mean for the match at Mestalla?

Valencia must rearrange their right side of defense and play a compact, disciplined game to challenge Real Madrid despite the injuries.